Twin Pregnancy, Yom Kippur Fast
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Question
My wife is pregnant with twins at the beginning of week 32. Currently, everything is fine, but three weeks ago, one of the fetuses was too small. Her hemoglobin is 12, and a month ago, her iron levels were 8, so she was treated with iron tablets. My wife is weaker than regular women. I would like to ask what she should do on Yom Kippur. Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom and blessings
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Avraham Fried, shlita:
She should prepare well for the fast by drinking a lot of sweet drinks such as grape juice
and drink a liter of grape juice during the fast in measured amounts, and complete the rest after the fast
Attached are the laws for pregnant women:
A. A pregnant woman whose pregnancy is normal and she feels well should fast as usual, and she should prepare herself before the fast by drinking a lot of fluids — between three to four liters the day before the fast. During the fast, she should try to rest as much as possible and stay in an air-conditioned place, and not go to the synagogue. Also, the husband must help his wife even if it means missing communal prayer.
B. In case of contractions or labor pains — drink in measured amounts, and if that is not enough — drink normally.
C. If the woman feels strong weakness and dizziness and sees black before her eyes, she should drink in measured amounts. If that is not enough, drink a larger amount.
D. In cases of nausea during pregnancy [and also heartburn] there is no risk to the fetus, only discomfort. However, in cases of frequent or severe vomiting or if she vomited everything — dehydration may occur, so if the woman vomits a lot, she should drink in measured amounts. Also, if she knows that the nausea will lead to frequent vomiting — drink in measured amounts.
E. When hemoglobin is below 9 — do not fast and eat and drink in measured amounts.
F. A pregnant woman whose pregnancy is normal and can fast, but nevertheless is concerned about the fast, can connect to an IV before Yom Kippur through professionals (can inquire at Ezer Mizion or Hatzalah, etc.), and if she does so, during the fast she can receive even several liters of fluids.